Lawyer bribery
Bribery scandals at home and abroad regularly make headlines. Think for example of the prosecution of alderman Jos van Rey or the billion dollar settlement of Petrobas. That there is a lot of public interest in this is quite understandable. Bribery has a corrupting effect. The interests in a bribery investigation are therefore often great, as are the interests in preventing bribery.
Looking for a lawyer with specific knowledge about bribery? At Van Meekren Advocatuur, you have come to the right place.
What is bribery?
In essence, bribery is the giving or receiving of a bribe, where the bribe taker seeks an unfair (business) advantage. Bribes do not have to be in a brown envelope. Other benefits, such as travel or a (fictitious) job, can also serve as a lubricant. The initiative of bribery can come from either the briber or the bribed. Dutch law distinguishes between bribery of public officials and bribery of non-officials and between active bribery (giving bribes) and passive bribery (receiving bribes). These criminal provisions each have their own specific criteria, and the law is broad on the subject.
Bribery and corruption are often mentioned in the same breath, but that is not quite correct. 'Corruption' is a generic term and as such is not in the Criminal Code. Corruption is usually defined as the abuse of granted authority or power for personal gain. Bribery is a component of this. For example, a head of state who uses public funds for personal gain is corrupt, but not so much bribery (for the record, the head of state may be guilty of embezzlement or some other criminal offense).
I am seeking advice on bribery and/or assistance in drafting an Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy
Are you or your company in frequent contact with government officials? Do you work in the transport sector, for example, and do you regularly visit customs? Or does your company do a lot of (government) procurement? Then it may be important to implement an anti-bribery policy. Healthy contact with buyers, government officials and regulators is often commercially desirable, but therein also lies a risk of bribery. That one Christmas gift is probably permissible, but does the same apply to an exclusive bottle of wine? And what about invitations to business events abroad?
Perhaps you or your company needs clarity about this. Van Meekren Advocatuur can assist you in this, for example by drafting policies, training staff or advising on relevant criminal law boundaries.
I or my company is suspected of bribery
Has the District Attorney's Office launched an investigation into you or your company? If so, the consequences can be dire. The authorities may raid your business premises(s). Reputational damage can occur long before the judge makes a ruling. It is therefore important to engage a criminal lawyer with specific knowledge of bribery and the criminal process at an early stage.
Van Meekren Advocatuur can assist you with, among other things:
A raid on your premises;
consultation and interrogation assistance from the first interrogation;
Litigate over seized property;
negotiate a settlement out of court; and
If necessary: represent you and/or your company in court.
What do our clients say?
"Bram has been professional, eager to help, committed and transparent. I recommend him."
July 2024
"Very professionally helped! Bram Horenblas took the time for my story and showed understanding of the situation. He legally looked at what was possible and was always honest in what I could expect. In short an experienced and reliable lawyer!"
May 2025
"Recently I have been supported by Van Meekren Advocatuur. I experienced the support provided as fine, involved and clear"
April 2024
Direct contact
Looking for a criminal bribery lawyer? Please contact us without obligation using the contact form. We generally respond within one business day.
